Republican Obstruction Escalates Insecurity for Family Farms

MADISON, WI – Insecurity and uncertainty for Wisconsin family farms was further escalated after Senate Republicans rejected the appointment of Brad Pfaff as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consume Protection (DATCP). Following the vote, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement:

“Brad was raised on a family farm in western Wisconsin and has dedicated his life to improving outcomes for our farmers. Simply put, farming is in his DNA. At a time when Wisconsin in the middle of a dairy crisis it is irresponsible and callous for Republicans to reject the appointment of Brad Pfaff. Wisconsin communities are sick and tired of these petty political theatrics. It’s time for Republicans to accept the results of the election last fall.”

Since his nomination in December of 2018, Secretary-designee Pfaff has been an outspoken advocate for farmers by urging action on mental health assistance, rural broadband access, and sustainable land management practices. Through his work for the U.S Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Pfaff has been a trusted and credible partner of farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. U.S. Representative Ron Kind and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin have voiced their support for Pfaff along with the following organizations:

• National Farmers Organization
• Trempealeau County Farm Bureau
• Buffalo County Farm Bureau
• Dairy Business Association
• Organic Valley
• Cooperative Network
• Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
• Wisconsin Agri-Business Association
• Wisconsin Corn Growers Association

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling

Shilling Submits Senate Resignation

May 15th, 2020 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling

 

Shilling Statement on Democratic Leadership Election

Apr 24th, 2020 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling

 

Shilling Will Not Seek Re-election

Apr 2nd, 2020 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling

After 20 years of service, Democratic Leader looks to chart a new course